WildStar will be available on Steam this week

Newly F2P MMO launches with new bundles and more.

WildStar made the awkward transition from a subscription-based MMO to a free-to-play one last year, but it appears to have paid off: people are still playing and talking it, thanks in part to the recent Destination Arcterra expansion. When Carbine Studios announced these changes it also pointed to an eventual Steam release, and as it turns out, that is happening this week.

June 9 is the precise date for the launch, and to celebrate the studio is offering new bundles through the Steam page (though similar bundles will be available through the in-game store too, if you don't run the game in Steam). These will include "some boosts and bonuses" in addition to cosmetics, mounts, pets and more, as well as Signature time – a monthly subscription period which offers a bunch of benefits outlined here.

If you haven't tried the MMO before, it's well worth doing so. Phil Savage liked it back when it released in 2014, writing that "clever questing and a stand-out combat system make for an entertaining MMO that's as large as it is full of character". For a good read on Carbine's efforts to smoothly transition to a free-to-play model, look no further.

The PC Gaming Show returns to E3 on Monday June 13, featuring game announcements, updates to existing favourites, and conversation with top developers. You can find out what to expect here, and also book free tickets to attend in person atpcgamingshow.com. The PC Gaming Show will be broadcast live through twitch.tv/pcgamer from 11:30 am PT/2:30 pm ET/6:30 pm GMT, but be sure to tune in beforehand to check out The Steam Speedrun, in which one lucky winner will buy as many games as they can in three minutes.

Shaun is PC Gamer’s Australian editor and news writer. He mostly plays platformers and RPGs, and keeps a close eye on anything of particular interest to antipodean audiences. He (rather obsessively) tracks the movements of the Doom modding community, too.